A leader in the House of Representatives on Friday debunked speculations Speaker Martin Romualdez would seek the presidency in 2028.

In an interview, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe vehemently refuted claims that Romualdez would be gunning for the highest post in the 2028 national polls, asserting that the Speaker does not intend to run.

"He has no plans to run. As we speak, he has not even mentioned anything about any plans," Dalipe said.

"The 2028 [election] is still far away. We still have 2025 [midterm elections]. It's still a long way off. There are a lot of things that can happen from now to 2028. And I don't see anything strategic for the Speaker to do such," the Zamboanga City solon added.

Recently, rumors circulated about Romualdez's purported presidential ambition.

The speculation gained traction after former President Rodrigo Duterte claimed in a television interview that "Romualdez is posturing to be a candidate for president."

 To recall, Romualdez has been the subject of the former president's tirades following the House's decision to strip Vice President Sara Duterte of P650 million in secret funds in the 2024 budget.

The funds were transferred to government agencies involved in security matters, including the Philippine Coast Guard, which patrols the West Philippine Sea amid China's persistent incursions.

The elder Duterte did not buy the House's rationale and posited that the realignment of funds was politically motivated and had something to do with the 2028 polls, in which Romualdez and Sara Duterte are perceived to be front-runners.

In an interview on Friday, Deputy Majority Leader for Communications Erwin Tulfo likewise cast doubt on Duterte's assertion, saying the possibility of a Sara vs Romualdez matchup in 2028 has yet to be discussed.

"I don't know where that came from, where former president Duterte got that. But then everyone has their opinion," Tulfo said in English and Filipino.

Meanwhile, the Speaker himself quashed the scuttlebutt, saying the prime concern should not be centered on the future electoral possibilities but on economic, public health, and regional issues that demand immediate attention.

"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, my priority is to promote unity and collaboration across all political lines. This is a time to put aside rumors and speculations about future elections and concentrate on what we can achieve together for the betterment of our country and the welfare of the Filipino people," Romualdez said.